11 Main Pros And Cons Of Using Terra Cotta Tiles
About Terra Cotta Tiles
When it comes to roofing materials, terra cotta tiles and concrete tiles are two of the most popular and commonly used choices.
Terra cotta tiles are made from clay and are fired at a very high temperature to create a hard, durable surface. Concrete tiles, on the other hand, are made from concrete and are molded into specific shapes before they are fired.
Pros And Cons Of Using Terra Cotta Tiles
Terracotta tiles are made by baking molded clay and comes in different color of clay tile including a reddish-orange, but they can also be brown, yellow, or even white.
Terracotta tile has a number of advantages when used to build a roof. Let’s explore the pros and cons of this material now.
Pros Of Terracotta Roof Tiles
1. Longevity:
Terracotta roof tiles last longer than most other materials. These roofs have a service life of up to a century. Even at the low end, a clay tile roof should last at least 50 to 70 years. This is due to the fact that the tiles are designed to be practically indestructible and resistant to the weather.
2.Aesthetic Appeal
Terracotta tile roof designs are influenced by Spanish and Mediterranean architecture. This appearance goes well with several siding types. For instance, a clay tile roof can improve the appearance of brick or stone sidings, making it suitable for the most popular home design trends.
Several popular designs include the French, Mediterranean/Spanish, Mission, and interlocking shingle types.
3. Low Maintenance:
Due to the fact that clay tiles have a very long lifespan and require little maintenance, they are an attractive option for homeowners looking to save on maintenance costs. Clay tiles don’t require paint or sealants, which saves you from having to apply layers of those materials over time.
These roofs require virtually no maintenance, so you won’t have to worry about repairs every few years like you would with a metal roof or shingles.
4. Increase Home Value:
Which is the most important advantage of clay tile roofs, it’s durability and low maintenance. Clay tiles require little to no maintenance and prevent leaks that can quickly damage a home’s interior and exterior.
For example, when talking about the durability of clay tiles, its longevity is also an important factor because it gives you a huge return on investment for your investment if your clay roof lasts for decades.
5. Energy Efficiency:
Because clay tile roofs require little to no maintenance, they are an excellent way to improve energy efficiency in your home. Clay tile roofs are resistant to high winds, which is an excellent way to insulate your home and save energy costs. Therefore, clay roofs are an excellent green technology.
Clay tiles are maintenance free, which saves you time and money when compared to asphalt shingles. Even minor chips won’t require paint, sealants or touch-ups. Therefore, clay tiles are an excellent option for homeowners who don’t have time to deal with ongoing maintenance requirements.
6. Reduced Cost:
While clay tile roofs have a longer lifespan than other options, they cost more upfront than other options. However, their operational costs are minimal and they require very little maintenance in the long run.
Therefore, the initial investment is worth the long term savings vs. other types of roof materials that require much more upkeep.
Some clay tile roofs are made from imported materials, which can add a few hundred dollars to the price tag.
However, in most cases, clay tiles are composed of natural materials, meaning they’re nearly all recyclable or compostible and can be produced locally. In addition, it’s very cost effective to rent a roofer who specializes in clay roofing instead of hiring an installer yourself just to install these tiles.
7. Fire Safety:
Did you know that clay tile roofs are more fire resistant than other types of asphalt shingle or metal roofs? Since clay tiles have a higher melting point than asphalt, they’re less likely to catch on fire and spread. This is an excellent option for those who live in areas with wildfires.
Terracotta roof tiles are fire-resistant, which may be a huge safety advantage in areas where wildfires are common.
8. Comfortable:
Finally, terracotta roofs are very comfortable in the long run. They have a thermal mass that soaks up some of the heat and then returns it to your home during temperatures swings. Therefore, clay tiles make an excellent option for areas with a wide range of temperature fluctuations.
- Cheapest Option:
Cons Of Terracotta Roof Tiles
1. Terracotta roof tiles are difficult to install:
Generally, terracotta roof tiles are difficult to install and Installers must take special care to avoid damaging the tiles. Any damage to the tile is rarely repairable and often requires replacement of the entire tile.
Because of all the material that needs to be added, clay tiles are one of the most difficult roofing materials to install. Installation is complex, and so is replacing damaged tiles.
2. Clay tiles are heavy:
Terracotta roof tiles are heavier than other types of roofing materials and require sturdy support structures. These roofs can weigh up to 50 pounds per square foot, which means homeowners will need support bars that are much stronger than other materials.
Because clay tiles are fired at a very high temperature, they can weigh up to 11 pounds each. Therefore, clay tile roofs are a much heavier option than other roofing materials.
3. Terracotta roof tiles are expensive:
Clay tile roofs are a more expensive option than asphalt shingles, but they should last for decades. Therefore, the length of time that you’ll use your roof will be much greater than other types of materials.
Due to the higher cost of clay tile roofs, many homeowners choose to replace them with asphalt shingles when repairs or replacement is needed
4. It’s difficult to repair a clay tile roof:
In addition to being difficult to install, clay tiles are also very difficult to repair. They require high skilled labor because damaged tiles must be completely removed and replaced with new ones.
Since clay tiles are fired at higher temperatures, they often end up being very heavy. This means that if your roof isn’t installed properly, the tiles can cause damage to the structure of your home and lead to leaks.
5. Clay tiles contain lead:
Even though clay tile roofs are a natural product, they do contain lead. It’s important to take this into consideration if you have children or pets who play on the roof because it’s possible for them to ingest the lead from the clay tiles.
6. Not ideal for freezing temperatures
Cold weather conditions are not ideal for terracotta roofs. In areas with regular freeze/thaw cycles, the clay could warp and crack, so this is a better material for warm climates.